Archives: Press Releases

Boulder, Colo. [February 4, 2025] – Paradox Sports, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives and communities through adaptive climbing, is excited to announce the appointment of Alex Kosseff as its new Executive Director. Kosseff, who has served as Interim Executive Director since June of 2024, steps into the permanent role following an extensive national search process.

“Since stepping in as Interim Director, Alex has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening and building the Paradox community,” said Jake Gaventa, Paradox Sports Board Chair. “His ability to navigate challenges with clarity, inspire collaboration, and lead with integrity has already made a lasting impact.”

Kosseff brings a wealth of leadership experience in the outdoor industry. He previously served as Executive Director of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) from 2015 to 2023, where he led the organization through significant growth, navigated the COVID pandemic, and initiated a national political advocacy strategy. Before joining the AMGA, Kosseff founded the Outdoor Safety Institute, where he worked with dozens of outdoor recreation and education organizations to enhance risk management and program quality. He has served as a board member or advisor at the National Science Foundation, Outward Bound USA, and Montana Wilderness School, is a seasoned climbing instructor, and is the author of a bestselling book on outdoor leadership.

“I’m honored to continue leading Paradox Sports and working alongside such a remarkable team of athletes, volunteers, supporters, and staff,” said Kosseff. “The community was incredibly supportive while I was in the interim role, and it’s clear to me that the supportive character of this organization is one of its greatest assets. Paradox’s mission, and its community, have already made a lasting impact on my life. I look forward to building on the sense of belonging we’ve created, while growing our programming and community of athletes.”

Paradox Sports has seen remarkable growth since its humble origins at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in 2007. Today, the organization reaches thousands of adaptive climbers, and is expanding its programs across the country. With Kosseff at the helm, the organization is poised to strengthen its impact, foster an inclusive climbing community, and continue breaking down barriers to the outdoors.

About Paradox Sports

Paradox Sports is a Boulder, Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives and communities through adaptive climbing opportunities that defy convention. We redefine what’s possible by facilitating accessible climbing opportunities for people with disabilities, proving that adventure has no limits. Our nationwide programs include gym, rock, and ice climbing, mountaineering, and training for adaptive climbing facilitators. Through these experiences, we foster resilience, independence, and a sense of belonging. Learn more about our mission and how to get involved at www.paradoxsports.org.

Media Contact

Becky Lindstrom

Communications Manager

720.638.5593

becky@paradoxsports.org

 

Bellevue, WA – February 4, 2025 – Ombraz, the award-winning pioneer behind armless sunglasses, announces the launch of their Limited Edition Leggero with Polarized Blue Mirror Optics. Driven by customer feedback and the growing popularity of armless sunglasses for water and alpine adventures, Ombraz recognized the need for mirrored lenses to filter harsh light on open water and in reflective, high-altitude environments.

The new Ombraz Polarized Blue Mirror Leggero is designed for those who demand lightweight performance without compromising on style. These armless sunglasses set a new standard for comfort and durability, featuring polarized blue mirror lenses that reduce glare and deliver enhanced clarity in any setting—from shimmering open water to bright, sunlit mountain peaks. Ideal for anglers, water enthusiasts, and high-alpine adventurers, the Polarized Blue Mirror optics elevate color perception and provide crystal-clear vision, even on the brightest days.

“At Ombraz, customer feedback drives our design philosophy,” said Jensen Brehm, co-founder at Ombraz. “As armless sunglasses become a go-to for water activities, especially fishing, we recognize the need for mirrored lenses to filter harsh light on open water, enhance color perception, and improve visual clarity on full-sun days. The Blue Mirror Leggero pairs one of our most popular frames with world-class mirrored optics.”

The Limited Edition Leggero combines a featherlight TR-90 aerospace-grade nylon frame with world-class Polarized Carl Zeiss Blue Mirrored lenses that ensure crystal-clear vision, exceptional durability, and all-day comfort. Like all Ombraz sunglasses, the new Leggeros feature the brand’s innovative armless, hinge-free design, paired with a Japanese-woven, 100% recycled adjustable nylon cord for a customizable, secure fit. This thoughtful combination eliminates common pain points of traditional sunglasses—such as broken sidearms, slipping, and temple pinching—resulting in superior protection and rugged performance, even in the saltiest and most extreme environments.

This small-batch, Limited-Edition Polarized Blue Mirror Leggero is available in Regular and XL sizes and can be found at Ombraz.com for $160. Customers receive free shipping, 30-day returns, and a lifetime warranty with every pair purchased. For media inquiries, please contact stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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About Ombraz Sunglasses

Ombraz is a revolutionary armless sunglasses brand making a fundamental shift to sunglass design. Since the introduction of the Ombraz Classic in 2018, Ombraz has been building carbon-negative, armless sunglasses that solve what frustrates people about sunglasses. Whether on the river, trail, slopes, climbing wall, or singletrack, Ombraz can be worn comfortably and securely all day. With no arms to break and a cord to keep them in place, (or slung around your neck), Ombraz won’t get lost, slip off your nose, or break in your bag or pocket. Additionally, Ombraz plants 20 mangrove trees for every pair of sunglasses sold. A member of 1% For the Planet and Carbon Neutral Certified, Ombraz sequesters 1713x more carbon than it takes to produce and deliver each pair. Learn more about the brand and the full collection of armless sunglasses on Ombraz.com, or follow @Ombraz on Instagram.

 

CONCORD, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Feb. 3, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced the grand opening of its newest store in Concord, North Carolina. Located at 2420 Herron’s Nest Place NW, Suite 103, in Christenbury Village, the new store is owned and operated by Mark and Kristin Harris, who also own Fleet Feet Huntersville. The store officially opened its doors on January 29. A grand opening celebration is planned for March 15, 2025.

Mark and Kristin Harris were introduced to the Fleet Feet brand in 2007 when Kristin’s sister joined a Fleet Feet running group in Knoxville, Tenn. Inspired by the community and mission, the couple opened their own Huntersville store in January 2010. Now, with over 15 years of experience in the run specialty industry, the Harris family has cultivated a loyal customer base by delivering exceptional service and building strong community ties through training programs, group runs and charitable initiatives.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Fleet Feet to Concord,” said Kristin Harris. “We’ve seen tremendous growth and support at our Huntersville location, and we’re eager to extend the same personalized service and community engagement to this new market.”

Concord is an ideal location for Fleet Feet’s continued growth. Situated just 20 minutes from the Huntersville store, it provides a convenient option for customers in Concord, Kannapolis, and Harrisburg. With its proximity to Concord Mills Mall, the Highland Creek Community and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the new store is perfectly positioned to attract visitors and serve the community.

“Concord is a growing, vibrant community, and we’re thrilled to welcome Kristin and Mark’s second store to the Fleet Feet family,” said John Moloznik, vice president of retail development at Fleet Feet. “Their passion for creating meaningful connections, delivering outstanding customer experiences, and supporting their community embodies everything that Fleet Feet stands for.”

Fleet Feet Concord will operate with the brand’s exclusive personalized outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

With a curated selection of the best running and athletic brands, including ASICS, Brooks, Hoka, New Balance, On and Saucony, the store will help customers of all abilities to find the perfect fit for their training, racing and everyday fitness needs.

For 49 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

BOULDER, CO (Feb. 3, 2025) – La Sportiva, the leader in mountain performance gear and apparel, announced today their apparel line for fall 2025. The new line expands the winter Alpine Tech collection and sees the introduction of the Lumina Down Jacket Series and new Gore-Tex® Performance shells. From fast-and-light backcountry missions to powder-filled descents and extreme alpine expeditions, these new pieces are designed to meet the diverse needs of mountain athletes.

Engineered with 1000-fill pure white down, the Lumina Down Jacket Series delivers exceptional warmth while remaining incredibly lightweight and packable. Each jacket is constructed with a PERTEX® Quantum shell featuring Diamond Fuse technology, a unique engineered structure that allows fabrics to remain very stable over extended wear and washing. Thoughtful details such as strategically placed down chambers, elastic sleeve hems, and adjustable features ensure that the Lumina jackets perform in the most extreme environments.

“With the Lumina Series, we’ve focused on designing extremely lightweight insulated pieces that meet the demands of alpine athletes in the harshest conditions,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “This collection is made for those who rely on their gear to perform when it matters most. Whether tackling steep climbs or venturing deep into the backcountry, the Lumina jackets deliver the warmth needed for serious mountain pursuits without weighing you down.”

The Lumina Series offers three distinct options for a variety of backcountry adventures. The Lumina 100 Down Jacket is the lightest in the lineup. Weighing just 5.9 oz and priced at $259, this jacket is perfect for fast-and-light missions where weight is critical. The Lumina 200 Down Jacket, at 8.8 oz and $349, features an elastic hood for added protection and 125g of down insulation for extended exposure to harsh conditions. For the most extreme adventures, the 12.3oz $399 Lumina 300 Down Jacket delivers unparalleled warmth with 175g of premium down and an adjustable bottom hem.

Building on the proven performance of La Sportiva’s Alpine Tech line, the Alpine Guide GTX Performance Jacket and Pants are crafted to meet the demands of alpinists and ski mountaineers. These hardshell pieces are made with GORE-TEX® Performance fabric, offering a 28,000mm water column rating and exceptional breathability. The $499 Alpine Guide Jacket features a helmet-compatible hood, underarm ventilation zips, and an internal snow guard gaiter. Paired with the adjustable $399 Alpine Guide Pants, this system provides reliable protection and comfort for challenging alpine environments.

Designed for freeride skiers chasing deep powder, the Sender GTX Performance Jacket and Bib Pants deliver protection and functionality for free-touring adventures. Made with GORE-TEX® Performance fabric, the Sender Jacket includes a helmet-compatible hood, underarm ventilation zips, and a water-resistant double-slider zipper. The Sender Bib Pants come equipped with ventilation zips and use an articulated construction that allows for excellent mobility during powder-filled descents. The Jacket is priced at $549, while the Bib Pants retail for $449.

The new Alpine Tech collection will be available at select specialty retailers and at lasportivausa.com in the fall of 2025. Select samples for media will be available prior to the release of the line.

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.

 

 

 

 

Jan. 30, 2025 (BOULDER, Colo.) – La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today unveiled the Prodigio Max, a highly cushioned trail shoe with an innovative midsole that changes the game for maximalist footwear. Engineered to combine comfort and responsiveness with technical performance, the Prodigio Max is built for runners looking to go further, faster. The new shoe will be available in the fall of 2025 and is designed to excel in all types of terrain. From the buttery singletrack of California to the rocky trails of Colorado, this shoe can do it all.

Maximalist shoes have become a staple in trail and ultra running, providing comfort and protection over long distances. However, they often struggle to provide the control and responsiveness needed in technical terrain. The $165 Prodigio Max bridges this gap, delivering protection, energy return, and precision for steep climbs and tricky descents.

“The Prodigio Max represents the next evolution of La Sportiva’s trail running lineup,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “It delivers everything runners love about maximal shoes while solving the performance and stability issues that can exist in the category. We’ve delivered the legendary La Sportiva lock-down fit in a maximalist platform. The Max allows athletes to go farther and push harder, whether they’re racing ultras or exploring their favorite local trails.”

At the core of the Prodigio Max is XFlow Endurance, a new nitrogen-infused eTPU midsole that offers plush cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness. The shoe’s higher sidewalls add stability on rough trails, while an aggressive rocker geometry ensures a smooth and efficient stride. The outsole comes equipped with 4mm lugs and combines the brand’s sticky FriXion White rubber in the forefoot with durable FriXion Blue rubber in the heel, ensuring confident traction on all surfaces.

The Prodigio Max features a new wide fit, providing all-day comfort for ultra-distance efforts. La Sportiva is also introducing a cutting-edge upper for the shoe, which centers around its new Comfort Wire fabric. Comfort Wire is made from a combination of TPEE polyester and embroidered yarn, allowing for enhanced durability and support while also reducing weight. A stability wrap provides additional security for the foot, while laser-cut ventilation holes in the forefoot enhance airflow and comfort on ultra-long efforts.

Weighing in at 10.4 oz for men and 9.1 oz for women, the Prodigio Max has a stack height of 37mm in the heel and a 6mm drop. The new model will be available at select specialty retailers and online at www.lasportivausa.com in the fall of 2025.

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.